The tide rolls out, the tide rolls in. A group of Firsties commissions, a new batch of Plebes arrives. Such is the rhythm of the United States Naval Academy. The Class of 2023 commissioned last month and that brief period when only three classes call USNA home is about to end with the arrival of … Continue reading June is here, welcome to the Class of 2027

Military academy parents share many experiences. When I meet a fellow academy parent for the first time, I know I can strike up a conversation by simply mentioning I Day, that first summer, or any of a number of other things we have all endured with our child. Just as car commercials warn us our … Continue reading The continuing evolution of goodbye

I am routinely intrigued by the balance of tradition with ceaseless change at the Naval Academy. On one hand, everything from formal parades to chow calls to the Herndon Climb harken back to bygone days and remind everyone involved of the legacy upon which USNA is built. Yet, much the tides roll in and out … Continue reading A changing of the guard

Just when I think I can't be more impressed with Kristin Cronic, well, I am. From the time I started following Easel on Stribling on Instagram, which led to my first conversation with her, to her being a part of a couple of Herndon playlists, I'll admit to being awestruck by her talent. Her artwork … Continue reading Another apex for Kristin Cronic’s ever-ascending star

Well, the live Herndon Playlist experiment is in the books. I've listened to it again and the mistakes make me cringe. Still, I promised to post it as a podcast, so here it is: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FI3gcgjdN1w2iqQFiB1X1?si=jxchOwYFQ3GfAeMvzsoClQ And, as promised, here is some of the thinking (and overthinking) behind the songs I included in this year's playlist. … Continue reading We did it live! Now the Herndon Playlist is available as a podcast